A special tartan commissioned to celebrate The 2014 Ryder Cup has been unveiled at the Lochcarron of Scotland mill in Selkirk by First Minister Alex Salmond and European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills.

Custom-made by the world’s leading tartan manufacturer, Lochcarron of Scotland, and with design input from 2014 European Captain, Paul McGinley, the official 2014 Ryder Cup tartan celebrates the return of the prestigious event to the home of golf.

The design features four shades of blue inspired by the landscape of Scotland, white to hint at elements of the Saltire, and blue and gold to reflect the core colours of the European flag.

The 2014 Ryder Cup tartan will be available in a stylish collection of tailored apparel and accessories including ties, lightweight scarves, trousers and traditional kilts.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am delighted to launch this official 2014 Ryder Cup commemorative tartan, developed by Lochcarron of Scotland, our world leading tartan manufacturer and the official tartan supplier of the 2014 Ryder Cup.

“Tartan’s importance to Scotland cannot be overestimated. It is deeply embedded in Scottish culture and is an internationally recognised symbol of Scotland therefore this beautiful tartan is the perfect way for the Ryder Cup to celebrate its return to the home of golf.

“Next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles is going to bring enormous economic benefit to Scotland and it’s estimated that the tournament will add up to £100 million to Scotland’s economy, supporting people, businesses and the surrounding communities.

“As one of the world’s largest sporting events, the Ryder Cup is broadcast to 183 countries worldwide reaching more than half a billion homes each day of the competition truly making this event Scotland’s moment to shine.”

The 2014 Ryder Cup European Team Captain, Paul McGinley had a major say in the process. He said: “I’m delighted with the final design of the official Ryder Cup tartan and very honoured that my input was sought in the overall procedure.

“While it was obviously important that the tartan was uniquely Scottish to reflect the host nation of The 2014 Ryder Cup, I also wanted it to illustrate the Continent of Europe that we will all be representing at Gleneagles next September and I think we have done that superbly with the subtle blending of the blue and gold of the European flag.”

Established in 1947 by J Morris Buchan, Lochcarron of Scotland builds on over 60 years of tradition & craftsmanship to constantly supply high quality innovative textiles to the world’s top designers including Vivienne Westwood, Comme Des Garcons and Ralph Lauren. The contract is the first to be awarded by Ryder Cup Europe since its procurement process for the 2014 event began.

Daniel Kim, CEO from Lochcarron of Scotland, said: “We are really excited to be involved in such a huge sporting event coming to Scotland. We have paid careful attention to ensure the design reflects the unique quality and drama of the most treasured trophy in golf, while still paying close tribute to the Scottish heritage behind the game.”

The tartan has been approved by the Scottish Registrar of Tartans. Merchandise featuring the design will be available exclusively on the Ryder Cup website rydercup.com from 1st July 2013, before becoming available in selected outlets nationwide towards the end of the year.

The 2014 Ryder Cup takes place at The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland from September 26-28, 2014.